Even with a second half that's significantly less compelling than the first, it earns points for its seamless special effects and its subtle but pointed sense of humor.
Comment
08/13/09
District 9 (2009)
90
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:233
Fresh:210
Rotten:23
Average Rating:7.8/10
Consensus: Technically brilliant and emotionally wrenching, District 9 has action, imagination, and all the elements of a thoroughly entertaining science-fiction classic.
Theatrical Release:Aug 14, 2009 Wide
Box Office: $115,646,235
Synopsis: Genre master Peter Jackson produces this science-fiction film, the directorial debut of Neill Blomkamp. In District 9, South Africa has become a haven for refugees--from outer space. [More]
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James, Mandla Gaduka
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Get This Movie
Rent DVD
Click on the "ADD" button to put this movie into your Netflix queue.
Buy DVD
Reviews for District 9
Because Neill Blomkamp's emphasis is on humanistic rather than cultural relevance, the writer-director's feature debut is a genuine triumph nonetheless.
08/13/09
An engaging sci-fi parable rooted in both universal themes and a specific setting that often takes you by surprise with both its smarts and intensity
08/13/09
Overall, with aliens that look like a crossbreed of roaches and lobsters, District 9 is a bad episode of Star Trek meets an insipid Apartheid mini-series. This was one disappointing sci-fi spectacle.
08/13/09
"District 9" does show that Blomkamp is not without talent and could very well one day make a truly great genre film, even if he hasn't quite done so here.
08/13/09
Its early allegory may be blunt, but its second half begs for something even as heavy-handed as that to keep it involving.
08/13/09
Director Neil Blomkamp, whose future in Hollywood should now be a lock, along with screenwriter Terri Tatchell (not to mention Peter Jackson, the film's producer) have created a world with massive scope.
08/13/09
I'm still excited about the potential of District 9. The problem is, I've already seen it.
08/13/09
Could have been better if it had remained focused on the main character rather than trying to show off a variety of filmmaking styles with a lot of flashy CG FX-driven action.
08/13/09
Funny and ferocious, cynical and satirical, District 9 is both ingeniously clever and smartly thoughtful...
08/13/09
This baby has the stuff to end the movie summer on a note of dazzle and distinction.
08/13/09
Top CriticWhat is absolutely impressive are the visual effects: the hordes of aliens, the mother ship, the seamless blending of the real with the fantastic.
08/13/09
You grow more and more impressed with the level of detail -- District 9 is a horrible place, but it starts to feel like a real horrible place, and the plight of its ugly inhabitants begins, against all odds, to earn our sympathy.
08/13/09
Socked in with the whiplash action and over-the-top gore is a story that's shockingly funny, clever and emotionally resonant. District 9 is that rarest kind of film, magnificent trash.
08/13/09
The result is like a two-stage booster rocket, propelled by a tricky structure, deft style and original scenario before settling into the sort of orbit any fanboy could recognize and appreciate.
08/13/09
The movie does satisfy the cravings for a smarter sci-fi movie and does have some rewarding aspects.
08/13/09
A bold and creative science fiction adventure that shows the dire consequences of hating strangers and ignoring the spiritual practice of hospitality.
08/13/09
...a sci-fi parable about bigotry and corporate greed that, backed by Jackson's special effects house WETA, brings a whole new world to the Science Fiction genre.
08/13/09
...this auspicious debut will undoubtedly make a few studio executives regret killing Halo.
08/13/09
There are no quick, confusing edits to obscure fights or what the aliens look like...most remarkable, though, is how their behavior and mannerisms evoke our own.
08/13/09
Latest News for District 9
October 23, 2009:
Blomkamp Gets to Work on District 9 Follow-Up 
Few details are known about the project, but director Neill Blomkamp has signed a deal that will give him creative control over his untitled follow-up to "District 9." More...
September 03, 2009:
Neill Blomkamp talks District 9 - RT Interview
District 9 heralds the arrival of 29-year-old South African-born director Neill Blomkamp as a major new voice in science-fiction. Infused with gritty, hand-held authenticity,... More...
August 28, 2009:
Neill Blomkamp Teases District 9 Sequel, Prequel
Now that "District 9" is officially a hit, it's time for Neill Blomkamp to hit the publicity trail -- and answer the inevitable questions about a sequel and/or prequel. CHUD has... More...
August 17, 2009:
Sharlto Copley Talks District 9
He's a first-time actor with the #1 movie in the country. How good is life for Sharlto Copley right now? Watch his recent interview with Collider to find out. More...
What’s Hot On RT
Fresh Links
Featured
History of Disney Animation
MSN Movies offers a little background on the success of Disney Animation.
90 Years of Screen Vampires
TIME takes a look back at the history of vampires on film.
Virtuoso Vistas of Lovely Bones
Techland examines the visual splendor of Peter Jackson's upcoming film.
Recent Headlines as TV Movies
AOL put together a list of 10 recent news items that would be perfect as TV Movies.
The Death of Original Thought
Hollywood.com's C. Robert Cargill explores how remakes and reboots have warped our thinking.
Promos
Follow RT on Twitter
Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!
IGN RSS Feeds